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Preliminary molecular characterization of foot-and-mouth disease virus SAT-1 topotype III associated with recent cattle outbreaks in Syria

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious transboundary viral infection that poses a significant threat to the livestock industry globally. In Syria, despite ongoing vaccination programs, recent outbreaks (2025–2026) in cattle and sheep has raised concerns due to insufficient antigenic coverage and rapid transmission. This study aimed to identify and molecularly characterize the FMD virus (FMDV) responsible for the disease in six cattle farms across Hama and Homs governorates in January 2026. Samples from teat vesicular fluid and oral swabs were collected and analyzed using RT-PCR targeting the VP1 region. The six farms tested positive for the SAT-1 serotype, and two positive isolates: Syr-Hama 2026 and Syr-Homs 2026, were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analysis using the WRLFMD genotyping tool and MEGA11 software. Molecular analysis identified the causative agent as FMDV serotype SAT-1, marking its first molecularly confirmed detection and molecular characterization of this serotype in Syria. Further genotyping revealed that both isolates belong to Topotype III. The Syrian isolates exhibited high nucleotide identity (98.9%) with each other and significant similarity to sequences recently recorded in Lebanon, Azerbaijan, Iran, and Turkey. Phylogenetic tree confirmed a close relationship with the reference strains such as BOT/1/77. The emergence of SAT-1/III in Syria, alongside the co-circulation of the O/ME-SA/SA-2018 lineage, leads us to hypothesize a complex epidemiological shift likely driven by unregulated animal movement across borders. Although this study has its limitations and is based on a limited sample size, the results underscore an immediate necessity to assess and, if required, revise national vaccination strategies, as well as expanded nationwide surveillance and antigenic characterization are required to determine the diversity of SAT-1 strains circulating in Syria and to inform evidence-based vaccine strain selection.

Deep convolutional GAN and hypernet-based neural architecture search for brain tumor diagnosis detection and classification

Brain tumors are complex and life-threatening conditions that require accurate and efficient diagnostic approaches. However, existing approaches often face limitations in precision and computational efficiency, mainly due to the heterogeneous and limited nature of medical imaging datasets. Recent advancements in deep learning, mostly Neural Architecture Search (NAS) and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), have show significant potential for enhancing diagnostic performance. In this study, a novel framework integrating HyperNet-based Neural Architecture Search (HN-NAS) with Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Networks (DCGANs) is proposed for brain tumor detection and classification. The DCGAN model is employed to generate high-quality synthetic MRI images of brain lesions, thereby developing dataset diversity and mitigating the issue of limited training data. Meanwhile, HN-NAS is utilized to efficiently recognize optimal neural network architectures for accurate tumor diagnosis. The use of a HyperNetwork allows the generation of weights for multiple candidate architectures, provocatively decreasing the computational cost of architecture search and facilitating scalable model exploration. Experimental results establish that the proposed technique developments both segmentation and classification performance while maintaining computational efficiency. The findings designate that a reliable and scalable solution for real-time clinical applications can be accomplished by combining advanced NAS methods with generative models. Overall, this study establishes that integrating data augmentation with architecture optimization can suggestively improve medical imaging diagnosis.

Sustainable L2 writing pedagogy in Turkish higher education: Effects of AI-mediated feedback on self-regulated learning and writing performance

In response to growing demands for sustainable, scalable, and learner-centered feedback practices in higher education, this study examined the effects of different feedback modalities on Foreign Language (FL) learners’ self-regulated learning (SRL) strategies and writing performance within the Turkish university context. Guided by self-regulated learning theory and national digital transformation priorities, a quasi-experimental design was employed with three groups: an Automated Feedback (AF) group using Grammarly, a Generative AI Feedback (GenAI-F) group using ChatGPT, and an Instructor-Mediated Feedback (IMF) group without automated feedback. Eighty-four preparatory school students participated in a ten-week intervention involving multiple argumentative writing tasks, pre- and post-writing assessments, and a validated SRL strategy questionnaire. Mixed factorial ANOVAs revealed significant main effects of time on cognitive and metacognitive SRL strategies, alongside significant interaction effects between feedback type and time for idea planning and interest enhancement. The GenAI-F group demonstrated the largest gains in metacognitive and motivational regulation strategies and achieved significantly higher improvements in overall writing performance and content quality compared with the AF and IMF groups. Moderation analyses further indicated that CEFR-based proficiency levels shaped feedback effectiveness, with GenAI-F yielding stronger benefits for intermediate-level learners. These findings suggest that generative AI-mediated feedback can support sustainable EFL writing instruction by fostering autonomous learning capacities, with potential implications for reducing instructor workload through scalable feedback support, although this dimension was not directly measured in the present study, and promoting lifelong learning skills aligned with higher education sustainability agendas.

Agreement and reliability between the two-day 6-minute incremental step test and two-day cardiopulmonary exercise test in post COVID-19 condition for assessing post-exertional malaise: The REVEAL-study

Background Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM) is a core symptom of post COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) affecting millions of people, yet assessment remains challenging. The two-day cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is the current gold standard for objectifying PEM, but its cost and patient burden limit use. The two-day 6-minute incremental step test (6MIST) with wireless wearable sensors could offer a more accessible alternative. Methods This cross-over study (n = 25, one-month washout period) evaluated the level of agreement and reliability between the two-day 6MIST and the two-day CPET for assessing PEM. Each “two-day” test consisted of two identical exercise tests separated by 24 hours to capture worsening of symptoms on day 2. Objective (VO 2 peak) and subjective (fatigue, neuromuscular complaints and rated perceived exertion) PEM outcomes were collected. Subjective outcomes were measured in relation to the first exercise test of each two-day session; at 15 minutes pretest, 15 minutes posttest and 24 hours posttest, with changes analyzed as Δ1 (baseline to 15 minutes posttest) and Δ2 (15 minutes posttest to 24 hours posttest). Agreement was assessed using Bland-Altman plots and reliability through consistency Intraclass Correlation Coefficients. The study is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (Ref: NCT06933017). Results VO 2 peak and neuromuscular complaints showed low agreement and reliability between the two tests. Rated perceived exertion showed moderate reliability at all times and fatigue showed moderate reliability for changes after 24h (Δ2). Conclusions Contrary to our hypothesis, the two-day 6MIST shows limited agreement with the two-day CPET overall. However, moderate reliability for rated perceived exertion and fatigue suggests potential for improvement with protocol refinement. Further research is needed to optimize the two-day 6MIST and to develop assessments that capture PEM both within and beyond the 24-hour period.

Correction: Vector-borne disease surveillance and control resource needs in Colorado public health organizations

Yttrium-90 radioembolization for neuroendocrine liver metastases: baseline vascularity predicts cytoreduction efficacy

Purpose This retrospective study in patients with neuroendocrine liver metastases analyzes baseline vascularity on MR as a predictor of tumour debulking after conventional Yttrium-90 transarterial radioembolization (TARE). Methods 30 patients who underwent TARE at our center between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively assessed. Pre- and post-treatment target lesion volumes were measured as total tumor volume (TTV) and enhancing tumor volume (ETV). Cox-regression analyses as well as Kaplan-Meier statistics were used to evaluate baseline volumetric imaging parameters and clinical variables as predictors of survival. Results Mean patients’ age was 63 (SD 11) years, 15 were female (50%). The primary tumor was in the upper gastrointestinal tract in 13/30 cases (43%). Median overall survival (mOS) was 33.0 months (95%CI [21.2; 44.7]). Eligibility for peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) was the single strongest predictor of survival with a hazard ratio of 0.22 (p = 0.024) and a mOS of 60.8 months whereas receptor-negative patients had the shortest survival of 7.0 months (p = 0.019). A baseline ETV/TTV ratio greater 50% was associated with a decrease in median ETV by 41% after lobar TARE compared to an increase by 18% in patients with poor baseline vascularity (p = 0.018). In the 17/30 patient who received systemic therapies exclusively before TARE, mOS was 15 vs. 6.8 months (p = 0.082). Prior PRRT did not significantly impact the change of ETV after TARE. Conclusion In lobar TARE for neuroendocrine liver metastases, high baseline vascularity shows an exploratory association with a significant reduction in viable tumor volume, warranting further investigation to improve patient selection.

Sivelestat sodium alleviates sepsis-associated acute lung injury by inhibiting ferroptosis via the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 axis

Objective This study was aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of Sivelestat sodium in sepsis-associated acute lung injury (SALI). Methods A rat model of SALI was established using the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) procedure. After the model was established in rats, behavioral changes, abdominal conditions, and survival rates were monitored. Comparative analyses included arterial blood gas parameters, the lung wet/dry weight ratio (W/D), lung injury scores, histopathological damage assessment, inflammatory cytokine levels, oxidative stress marker levels, and Fe 2+ concentrations in lung tissue. The expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, GPX4, ACSL4, and TFR1 proteins in pulmonary tissues were also evaluated. Results All rats in the sham group survived. The survival rates in the low-dose (SL), medium-dose (SM), and high-dose (SH) groups (60.0%, 73.3%, and 86.7%, respectively) were higher than those in the CLP group (53.3%), although the differences were not statistically significant. Compared to the Sham group, the CLP group showed significantly lower PaO 2 and PaO 2 /FiO 2 , higher lung wet/dry weight ratio and lung injury score, higher levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the lung tissue, lower levels of SOD and GSH, and higher levels of Fe 2+ and MDA. Additionally, the expression of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins was downregulated, whereas the expression of ACSL4 and TFR1 proteins was upregulated. Compared to the CLP group, the SL, SM, and SH groups showed higher PaO 2 and PaO 2 /FiO 2 ratios. The SM and SH groups showed lower lung tissue W/D ratios and lung injury scores, along with lower levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the lung tissue. In contrast, only the IL-6 levels were lower in the SL group. The SM and SH groups showed significantly higher SOD and GSH levels, along with considerably lower Fe 2+ and MDA levels. Notably, the SL group exhibited significant improvement only in arterial blood gas parameters and IL-6 levels, with no statistically significant differences observed in other indicators, indicating a dose-dependent response. In all Sivelestat sodium-treated groups, the expression levels of Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4 proteins in rat lung tissue were upregulated, whereas the expression of ACSL4 and TFR1 proteins was downregulated. To validate the Nrf2 pathway, medium-dose Sivelestat sodium was administered with or without the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385. Sivelestat sodium upregulated total Nrf2, nuclear Nrf2, SLC7A11, and GPX4, and downregulated ACSL4 and TFR1. Co-administration of ML385 largely abolished these changes and blunted its protective effects on lung histopathology. Conclusion Sivelestat sodium ameliorates SALI in rats by inhibiting ferroptosis through regulation of the Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.

A preliminary comparison of prosthetic socket liner strain determined using digital image correlation and finite element analysis

Improving prosthetic socket fit remains an important issue among prosthesis users. Understanding strains at limb-socket interface may help prosthetists improve socket fit. Previous studies have used finite element analysis (FEA) to predict stresses and strains at limb-socket interface. However, the selection of FEA model material properties as well as the validation of FEA strain results remain challenging. Digital image correlation (DIC) is a well-accepted optical technique that is widely used in experimental mechanics to noninvasively measure strains and can be used to validate FEA predictions. The goal of this feasibility study was to demonstrate the use of DIC to measure prosthesis liner strains of a unilateral transtibial prosthesis user and conduct a preliminary comparison of these strains with those estimated from an FEA model. One participant with a transtibial residual limb was recruited. Liner strains of the residual limb during two stepping tasks were measured with DIC. An FEA model of the residual limb was also developed, and its estimates of liner strains were compared with DIC measurements. Results showed that mean and probability distributions of principal strain values measured by DIC were in moderate to good agreement with FEA estimations. For example, DIC measured mean maximum and minimum principal strains of 0.041 and 0.021 in the anterior aspect of the residual limb when it was being vertically loaded, and FEA estimated mean maximum and minimum principal strains of 0.051 and 0.027 in the same region. The Bhattacharyya coefficient (a measure of overlap between two probability distributions, with values approaching 1 indicating high similarity) exceeded 0.90 for principal strain distributions between DIC and FEA on the anterior aspect of the residual limb during both tasks. These findings demonstrate that DIC can be used to refine FEA model material properties and results. As such, this methodology may help to advance the design of prosthetic sockets; however, as this study involved a single participant, findings are preliminary and intended to demonstrate methodological feasibility rather than generalize across the broader population of prosthesis users.

The effect of different milk pretreatment methods on microbiome community development during Herrgårds cheese production and ripening

One of the biggest challenges for dairy producers is the substantial variability in final product properties caused by changes in the production environment. In cheese production, this variation is influenced by several factors, particularly the milk base and its pretreatment, which shape the microbiome throughout the process and ultimately affect the cheese’s organoleptic characteristics. To examine the impact of three different pretreatments for pasteurised milk— microfiltration, protein fortification, and pasteurisation only (control)— on microbiome dynamics, we generated metagenome sequencing data from 14 cheese production steps across these three production trials at a Danish dairy factory. We constructed three metagenomic co-assemblies, identifying nine high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes. Our analysis revealed that a specific strain of Lactococcus lactis dominates the process, while other minor bacterial species persist at very low abundances (<1%), contributing non-negligibly to product properties. Notably, we detected DNA from Clostridium tyrobutyricum , a known bacterium whose heat-resistant spores may cause dairy spoilage, in pasteurised only and protein-fortified milk trials but was nearly absent in microfiltered milk. To enhance our analyses, we implemented KHILL, a novel k -mer based method, which facilitates metagenomic co-assembly and enables early detection of unwanted microorganisms. Our findings provide industrial dairy producers with a comprehensive view of microbial dynamics during cheese production, offering insights to improve process consistency and product quality.

Correction: Economic evaluation of atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab and chemotherapy for metastatic, persistent, or recurrent cervical cancer in China: A cost-effectiveness analysis

Perfusion imaging findings, and outcomes between computed tomography perfusion selected basilar artery occlusion and anterior circulation stroke patients undergoing endovascular treatment

Background Basilar artery occlusion (BAO) is a severe form of ischemic stroke associated with high morbidity and mortality. Whether BAO patients derive similar benefits from CT perfusion (CTP)-guided endovascular treatment (EVT) as those with anterior circulation stroke (ACS) remains unclear. Aim This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of EVT based on computed tomography (CT) perfusion between patients with BAO and those with ACS. Methods This analysis was conducted using data from a prospective multicenter Registry on International Stroke Perfusion Imaging. A total of 256 patients with 36 BAO and 220 ACS who received CTP-guided EVT were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) in a 1:2 ratio was performed to adjust for baseline imbalances. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of mRS 3–6 at 90 days as poor functional outcome and mortality. Results Prior to matching, BAO patients had higher baseline NIHSS scores (24.0 ± 9.8 vs. 15.2 ± 6.4, p < 0.001), smaller ischemic core volumes (8.7 ± 11.4 mL vs. 33.2 ± 38.9 mL, p < 0.001), and higher mismatch ratios (0.9 ± 0.1 vs. 0.7 ± 0.2, p < 0.001) than ACS patients. After matching, BAO patients had significantly shorter door-to-reperfusion time (3.2 ± 1.1 vs. 4.3 ± 2.9 hours, p = 0.007) and lower rates of hemorrhagic transformation (19.4% vs. 48.6%, p = 0.006). Multivariate analysis identified baseline NIHSS score (OR = 1.052, 95% CI: 1.013–1.092, p = 0.009) and ASPECT score (OR = 0.813, 95% CI: 0.682–0.969, p = 0.021) as independent predictors of poor outcome, while age (OR = 1.037, 95%CI: 1.006–1.069, p = 0.020) and baseline NIHSS score (OR = 1.070, 95% CI: 1.024–1.119, p = 0.002) were independent predictors of mortality. No significant differences were observed in 90-day functional independence (mRS 0–2) or mortality between BAO group and ACS group. Conclusions Despite presenting with more severe neurological deficits, BAO patients treated with CTP-guided EVT achieved comparable functional outcomes and mortality to ACS patients, with shorter reperfusion times and fewer hemorrhagic complications. CTP-based selection may facilitate effective EVT in BAO.

Path planning and obstacle avoidance with ISS framework for a UAV swarm under unified wind, sensor noise and delay disturbances

Background Multi-UAV swarm systems have attracted significant attention in recent years due to their wide range of applications, including surveillance, disaster management, search and rescue, agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and autonomous transportation. In such systems, maintaining formation integrity, achieving accurate trajectory tracking, and ensuring safe obstacle avoidance under environmental and communication disturbances remain challenging research problems. Existing studies generally investigate wind effects, sensor noise, or communication delays separately and often lack a unified stability framework capable of characterizing their combined influence on formation performance. Objective This study aims to develop a unified formation control and obstacle avoidance framework for multi-UAV systems operating under simultaneous wind disturbances, sensor noise, and communication delays. The proposed framework seeks to ensure stable formation regulation, centroid trajectory tracking, inter-agent collision prevention, and obstacle avoidance while providing formal robustness guarantees through an input-to-state stability (ISS) analysis. Methodology A consensus-based Laplacian formation controller was integrated with centroid tracking and artificial-potential-field-based obstacle and collision avoidance mechanisms. The Crazyflie 2.0 Nano-Quadrotor model was employed, and the six-degree-of-freedom dynamics were simplified into planar motion for swarm-level analysis. Stability of the nominal system was investigated using Lyapunov theory, while the disturbed system was analyzed within an ISS framework to derive explicit steady-state tracking error bounds under bounded disturbances. Numerical simulations were conducted in MATLAB for different swarm formations and disturbance scenarios. Results Simulation results demonstrated successful formation acquisition, centroid tracking, obstacle avoidance, and collision-free navigation under unified wind, sensor noise, and delay disturbances. Both hexagonal and line formations maintained stability while navigating toward desired target positions in the presence of static obstacles. Temporary formation deformations caused by avoidance maneuvers were effectively corrected, and the swarm recovered the desired geometry after disturbance effects diminished. Furthermore, the steady-state tracking errors remained within the theoretical ISS bounds, confirming consistency between the analytical results and simulation outcomes. Conclusion The proposed framework provides a robust and unified solution for formation control and obstacle avoidance in disturbed multi-UAV systems. The integration of consensus-based control, artificial potential fields, and ISS-based robustness analysis enables reliable trajectory tracking and safe swarm coordination under realistic operating conditions. The obtained results indicate that the framework can serve as an effective foundation for future studies involving dynamic obstacles, three-dimensional swarm coordination, and real-world experimental validations.

Fear of unintended pregnancy and sexual quality of life during the menopausal transition in a Turkish population: A cross-sectional study of associated factors

Objective This study aimed to investigate fear of unintended pregnancy, contraceptive method use, sexual quality of life, and associated factors among perimenopausal women. Methods This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 2025 with 124 perimenopausal women aged 40–50 years. The data have been collected using a sociodemographic-obstetric questionnaire and the Turkish version of the Sexual Quality of Life-Female (SQOL-F) scale. Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis H and Linear regression analysis tests were applied. Results The median SQOL-F score was 84.50. The score indicated a moderate-to-high level of sexual quality of life. Significant differences in SQOL-F scores were observed according to employment status, education level, parity, mode of delivery, childbirth experience, and fear of unintended pregnancy (p < 0.05). Relatively higher SQOL-F scores have been exposed by women with higher education levels, lower parity, cesarean delivery, and positive birth experiences. Significantly lower SQOL-F scores have been observed on the fear of unintended pregnancy predicated women. Conclusions The fear of unintended pregnancy is prevalent among perimenopausal women and is associated with lower sexual quality of life. Comprehensive nursing interventions may be critical including contraceptive counseling and sexual health education tailored to the needs of perimenopausal women.

Bone physiological adaptations to whole-body vibration in mouse models: A Systematic Review

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is known to mechanically stimulate bone tissue, modulating its turnover and microarchitecture. Our systematic review aimed to collect the available evidence on the effects of WBV in mouse models, comparing the different experimental protocols and results obtained. A systematic literature search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Experimental studies investigating the effects of WBV on healthy mice of different age groups, models of osteoporosis or fracture healing, and other models of bone loss were included. Methodological quality was assessed using SYRCLE’s RoB tool to analyze the reliability of the results and the risk of bias and the adapted GRADE approach to determine the overall level of certainty of the evidence. Twenty-nine studies were included, of which 10 were on healthy mice, 9 on osteoporotic or fracture healing models, and 10 on other models of bone loss. Overall, WBV improved bone formation, mineral density, and trabecular and cortical microarchitecture, although the results were heterogeneous and dependent on frequency, acceleration, duration, and recovery times. In some models, WBV combined with parathyroid hormone (PTH) or oestrogen showed synergistic effects, while in disuse and metabolic models, mechanical vibrations preserved bone mass and reduced osteoclastic activity. WBV represents a potentially useful strategy for modulating bone turnover and improving density and microarchitecture, with effects strongly influenced by protocol parameters and pathophysiological status. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms, optimize protocols, and evaluate the clinical impact in different study populations.

Impact of seasons and heat waves on the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteremia – A prospective multicenter study using biometeorological data

Objectives Climate change and global warming are major threats for human health and impact the burden of infectious diseases. We investigated the effect of heat stress days (max. perceived temperature ≥32°C) on the incidence of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) and Escherichia coli bacteremia (ECB). Methods We performed a post-hoc analysis of a prospective multicenter cohort study with inclusion of all reported SAB and ECB episodes at six tertiary care centers in Germany from 01/2017–12/2019. The effect of the number of heat stress days on the incidence of bacteremia episodes was modelled by a negative binomial regression model with and without underlying seasonal trend. Results In the prospective multicenter cohort, we included 2870 episodes of SAB and 4421 episodes of ECB. For both entities, we found a significant seasonal variation over the year (ECB peak-to-trough ratio: 1.33, 95% CI: 1.23–1.45, p < 0.001); SAB peak-to-trough ratio: 1.19 (95% CI: 1.07–1.32, p < 0.001), especially in the subgroup of community-acquired ECB (1.47, 95%-CI: 1.32–1.64, p < 0.001). In the model with incorporation of an underlying seasonal trend, we discovered no overall significant association with the number of heat stress days for SAB and ECB. However, in the subgroup of patients with hospital-acquired SAB, we found a significant association after two days of heat (IRR 1.45, 95%-CI: 1.17–1.82, p = 0.001), that remained significant also in a sensitivity analysis focusing on summer days only (IRR 1.50, 95%-CI: 1.18–1.91, p = 0.001). However, after inclusion of an underlying seasonal trend, the incidence of bacteremia cases remained significantly associated with heat stress days only in the subgroup of patients with hospital-acquired SAB. Conclusion Apart from seasonal trends, heat days did not seem to influence the incidence of SAB and ECB overall. The observed association of SAB with heat days in the subgroup of hospital-acquired SAB needs confirmation in further studies.

Glycemic meritocracy, sport and care: Between lay expertise and medical recognition

Objective To explore the physician–patient relationship among individuals with type 1 diabetes engaged in extreme endurance sports, highlighting dynamics of recognition, autonomy, and negotiation in care. Methods Qualitative study based on thirteen semi-structured interviews with French-speaking runners living with type 1 diabetes. Analysis followed a constructivist grounded theory approach, with inductive coding and triangulation. Results The findings reveal a complex relational dynamic structured by gaps in medical expertise, the emergence of experiential autonomy, evolving forms of collaboration, and persistent structural constraints. These dynamics reflect a tension between standardized biomedical knowledge and situated, experience-based practices. Recognition of patient expertise appears conditional, often depending on the ability to maintain acceptable glycemic outcomes. Conclusion This study identifies an implicit model, termed glycemic meritocracy, in which patient autonomy and legitimacy are shaped by conformity to biomedical norms. These findings highlight the need to move beyond performance-based evaluations of care and to more fully integrate experiential knowledge into clinical practice, particularly in complex or atypical contexts.

Subject-independent EEG classification of imagined swallowing: Impact of saliva vs. water paradigms

Dysphagia poses a significant burden on global health, necessitating innovative neurorehabilitation tools. Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) based on motor imagery offer a promising avenue, yet the neural differentiation between distinct swallowing paradigms remains under-explored. This study investigates the electrophysiological characteristics of imagined swallowing to establish a robust, subject-independent framework for neural decoding. We recorded EEG signals from 30 participants across two experimental paradigms: imagined saliva and imagined water swallowing. A rigorous analytical pipeline was implemented, featuring artifact removal, multidimensional feature extraction, and fold-wise statistical feature selection utilizing False Discovery Rate (FDR) correction and effect size criteria. To ensure the clinical translatability of the findings, a Leave-One-Subject-Out (LOSO) cross-validation scheme and permutation testing were employed for classification and statistical validation. Our findings demonstrate that EEG-based features can distinguish rest from imagined swallowing with near-ceiling performance (~99% accuracy), regardless of the paradigm. While the discrimination between imagined saliva and water yielded moderate accuracy (~63%), the results reveal critical insights into the inherent neural similarities of these motor imagery tasks. This study provides a statistically validated, subject-independent benchmark for decoding swallowing intentions. The high classification performance underlines the feasibility of EEG-based BCIs for dysphagia rehabilitation. While established as a proof-of-concept in healthy individuals, this framework paves the way for future neurofeedback applications in clinical populations.

Immunoprevention and immunomodulation of yellow fever: A scoping review of global and Latin American evidence

Background Yellow fever (YF) remains a major global public health challenge, with recurrent outbreaks in Africa and the Americas despite the long-standing availability of a highly effective vaccine. In recent years, outbreaks in Brazil and Colombia (2024–2025) have underscored persistent barriers to achieving optimal vaccination coverage and have highlighted the predominantly reactive nature of many public health responses to YF transmission. Objective To map and synthesize evidence published between 2020 and 2025 on YF immunoprevention and immunomodulation at global, Latin American, and Colombian levels, identifying advances, gaps, and implications for public health policy. Methods A scoping review was conducted following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Eligible sources included original research, reviews, and official documents addressing vaccination strategies, safety, and immune responses. Publications in English, Spanish, and Portuguese from January 2020 to September 2025 were retrieved from major databases and grey literature sources. Data were tabulated and descriptively synthesized. Results Seventy-eight documents met inclusion criteria. The literature consistently supported the high efficacy of a single 17D vaccine dose, with fractional dosing validated as an emergency strategy in contexts of vaccine shortage. Immunological evidence confirmed strong and durable humoral and cellular responses, consistent with foundational studies conducted prior to 2020. However, important gaps persist, particularly regarding immunogenicity and safety in Latin American populations, older adults, pregnant women, and people living with HIV. In Colombia, universal vaccination campaigns during the 2025 outbreak improved coverage but revealed weaknesses in pharmacovigilance, local research capacity, and sustained prevention strategies. Conclusions The 17D vaccine remains the cornerstone of YF control. However, sustaining elimination goals requires not only maintaining ≥95% vaccination coverage but also strengthening pharmacovigilance systems, generating locally relevant immunological evidence, and transitioning from reactive outbreak responses to more proactive, context-sensitive vaccination strategies.

Characterization of plant growth-promoting bacteria from Vicia faba root nodules grown on oasis soils and their potential to enhance soil fertility and crop growth attributes in arid regions

Soil degradation and nutrient depletion are major constraints in arid regions, particularly in fragile oasis ecosystems. Harnessing beneficial plant-bacteria interactions offers a sustainable approach to improving soil fertility and crop productivity. This study aimed to isolate and characterize plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from root nodules of V. faba L. var. minor Saber 02 grown on 12 oasis soils, and to evaluate their potential for enhancing plant growth and soil fertility. Sixty bacteria were isolated from V. faba root-nodules. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed seven bacterial orders: Enterobacteriales, Pseudomonodales , Burkholderiales , Xanthomonadales , Rhodospirillales , Hyphomicrobiales , Bacillales . Plant growth promoting (PGP) traits screening identified five of the sixty isolates including Rhizobium laguerreae (Vf19), Bacillus halotolerans (Vf43), Gluconobacter frateurii (Vf47), Pseudomonas reinekei (Vf48), and Kosakonia radicincitans (Vf49) which harbor multiple PGP traits with interesting biocontrol potential as well as high tolerance to osmotic stresses. Eleven inoculums formed by mixing efficient and resistant PGPR to inoculate V. faba L. minor var. Saber 02 in contrasting soil fertility showed that co-inoculation with R. laguerreae Vf19 and B. halotolerans Vf43 significantly increased shoot biomass and nitrogen content. Likewise, inoculation with consortia formed by mixing R. laguerreae Vf19 + B. halotolerans Vf43 and R. laguerreae Vf19 + B. halotolerans Vf43 + K. radicincitans Vf49 improved soil total nitrogen levels by up to 2.5-fold in low-fertility soil. These findings highlight the potential of selected PGPR strains, particularly R. laguerreae Vf19, B. halotolerans Vf43, and K. radicincitans Vf49, as promising candidates for developing effective biofertilizers in management programs for sustainable agriculture in low fertility oasis soils to improve soil health, plant growth and productivity.

Early public childcare and fertility: A longitudinal study for Europe

Empirical research reveals a considerable mismatch between desired and actual fertility across Europe, a mismatch which is more pronounced in countries characterized by limited policy support for families, suggesting that institutional interventions might be relevant in reducing this gap. This study analyzes the association between one of such policy interventions, namely public early childcare and education services (ECEC, age 0–2), and childbearing. The expectation is that an increase in the provision of public early childcare service in the region of residence will be positively associated with fertility. While existing evidence on whether childcare expansion increases fertility comes primarily from single-country studies or national-level comparisons, our empirical analysis combines sub-national information on regional public early childcare with longitudinal micro-level data from the European Union Statistics on Income and Living Conditions, from 2005 to 2020. Results show that an increase in regional ECEC is associated with higher probability of experiencing both transition to first and second birth and this association is significantly stronger in regions where ECEC was initially lower. Associations between childcare expansions and first birth transitions are particularly pronounced among lower-educated or employed women, while associations with second birth transitions are similar across all socio-economic groups, yet statistically non-significant among lower-educated mothers. Our results suggest that investing in public childcare is associated, in the short term, with reducing the gap between intended and actual fertility in Europe, particularly in contexts where provision is lower.